Unit 2: A New Nation
EQ: *What strategies did founding fathers use to present their initial arguments as our country was founded?
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Unit focus standards from CCSS:
RL.11-12.4, RI.11-12.5, RI.11-12.8, RI.11-12.9, W.11-12.1, SL.11-12.4, L.11-12.1

Student Objectives:
  • Identify themes in early American literature, such as 'American exceptionalism.'
  • Identify and explain the historic and literary significance of America's founding documents.
  • Analyze how tone is developed in persuasive writing.
  • Analyze the use of literary elements in persuasive writing.
  • Compare and contrast points of view in arguments presented on related issues.
  • Analyze the qualities of an effective argument.
  • Apply knowledge of effective arguments while writing one.

This short unit will revisit themes established in Unit 1, as students trace the movement toward revolution and the colonists' desire to establish a new government.
We will also begin looking at effective persuasion tactics. Students will revisit these lessons in the second semester as they craft argumentative research papers.


Cornell Notes for Unit 2:
1. Rhetoric
2. Ethos
3. Pathos
4. Logos

Real World Application for E,P,and L



Activity 1:
Vocabulary - Frayer model for 4 words from Patrick Henry's speech:

Patrick Henry's Speech
Activity 2:
Complete this Marking the Text activity.
Website w/ audio: Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia Commonwealth
(ethical appeal)
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Activity 3:
Vocabulary - Frayer model for 4 words from 'The Crisis, No. 1' by Thomas Paine

The American Crisis
Activity 4:
'The Crisis, No. 1' by Thomas Paine
Audio here
Complete the packet by following the MTT directions and answering the discussion questions at the end. The final discussion question will be on Google Classroom.
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Activity 5:
Vocabulary - Frayer model for 4 words from the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence
Activity 6:
Complete this Marking the Text activity.
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Activity 7:
Final work for ethos, pathos, logos





'The Star-Spangled Banner'
Poem by Francis Scott Key